DIY : painting your fridge with chalkboard paint

A few years ago, we decided to transform our dark cookie cutter kitchen into a white and bright farmhouse haven. While we look back on it now and wonder what took us so long, we were honestly a bit scared to take the leap so we started with something small and fun to get us motivated to follow through. We were tired of our plain old side by side and didn’t have the funds at the time to invest in something brand new. So we transformed our boring old run-of-the-mill fridge into a central hub for our bustling kitchen.

I honestly thought there would be more to it, like a major crisis. Or the paint chipping off. Or the fridge not working…or the house spontaneously combusting. I was breaking ‘the rules’, after all. But it was just that simple.

Using painter’s tape, I started by taping off the handles. I also taped off the rubber sides that keep the door closed with one long strip. I decided I would paint the top as well, as it came to my attention per my husband that anyone over 6 feet tall who visit our home can totally see all the not so lovely things on top of our fridge. It didn’t really make sense NOT to paint the top. Taping took about an hour because I was precise (and balancing a one year old who didn’t want to nap).

Starting with your primer, mix it WELL. I mean, spend ten minutes just shaking and then stirring that can because sucka is thick and completely separated. I thought I had it a few times, but that just wasn’t so. When in doubt, keep going. This will be the hardest part. The label said it was better to do three thin coats than two thick. I simply followed the directions, even if at the time it was a little gut wrenching to patiently wait to see the results. I let each one dry about thirty minutes in between. Thus the time suck. After doing all I could with a roller, I trimmed it up around the hinges and handles with an angled brush.

Once the three layers of magnetic primer were dry, I started in with the plain old chalkboard paint. You probably totally know this, but the magnetic primer is so your fridge remains magnetic with all those layers on top. We’re so glad we used it.

After two more coats with at least 30 minutes in betweeen…I waited overnight to use my new little chalkboard and TADA! We have a new medium for our three little artists to have fun with.

Yes, I am a self admitted dork. But lists are much more fun this way!

Say bubye to those dark cabbies. That’s the last you’ll be seeing of em’!

People ask us all the time how our fridge is holding up. It’s the center of attention when we have guests over to our home. It’s really not messy to keep up with, and completely manageable with three children. Your standard wet rag will do the trick when clean up is necessary. Nearly two years later, there isn’t a chip in sight. Something else to consider: If you have a different color than black for your fridge, and are worried how it will look, did you know you can have chalkboard paint custom mixed to a different color? Consider your classic chalkboard green or another fun color to compliment your kitchen. With the exception of a little touch up paint here and there (because of one guilty party who went to town with a crayon) we highly recommend this wonderfully fun transformation. I believe in the power behind being fearless with your home. It saved us thousands of dollars, and you’ll be amazed at how much it can change up your space!

So, I was just so excited and encouraged by your post, especially the update that 2 years later it is scratch free, that I decided to paint my own fridge. Before starting I scrubbed the fridge, then rinsed it all with clean water, then dried it. I did no sanding because the paint direction said sand if a glossy surface and my fridge is one of those indestructible 30 year old ones with a matte rough almond finish. I went to Home Depot and I bought exactly what you suggest and I followed your instructions EXACTLY (except for the balancing the 1 year old part) and during coat 2 of primer, the paint started to glob a bit. Upon inspection I found that the roller was also disintegrating (though it was a high end expensive roller). I assumed I wasn’t waiting long enough between coats (40 minutes I was) so I quit mid coat to let it dry overnight and start again today. Today I tested a dry spot, to find that the primer scratched right off with a simple light touch of my finger nail. So now here I am, in my kitchen, with quite a mess on my hands, one that feels far worse than if it had simply spontaneously combusted. Ideas? Help?

Hey Mary! I am so sorry I am just now seeing this comment. How has it turned out? Have you tried anything else? I hate that there are some issues going on – that is so crazy! I almost wonder if it’s some type of chemical reaction between such an old fridge and the paint? We simply have never heard of that happening before. I hope it turns out okay! So sorry for the problems!

OMG!! AWESOME! We are moving out of a ridiculously updated, modern, beautiful home. Our kitchen here is amazing. We are moving into an outdated home and I have been looking for inexpensive ways to update the kitchen! Thank you – I’m so ready to go DIY crazy in T-30 days!!! Great job and thanks for encouraging taking the plunge!!!